Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Freerunning Extreme places you in the heart of an urban landscape where timing and precision are everything. From the moment you hit go, you’ll be chaining together jumps, wall runs, and ledge grabs in a seamless flow. The controls are surprisingly intuitive: a single button press for jumps, directional inputs for wall runs, and a dedicated key to latch onto overhangs. Even first-time players can pick up the basics within minutes, thanks to an optional tutorial mode that walks you through each move step by step.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The real magic happens when you start mixing tricks to rack up points and build adrenaline. Each successful vault, slide, or wall jump adds to your adrenaline meter, allowing you to sprint faster and leap across wider gaps. This risk-and-reward loop encourages experimentation—do you play it safe for a few extra points, or push the adrenaline meter to its limit and attempt that double wall jump? It’s a satisfying system that keeps you coming back to shave seconds off your best routes.

With only one level available, variety comes from three play modes: tutorial, free roaming, and the bonus challenge. Tutorial mode is essential for mastering the basics, while free roaming lets you explore every nook and cranny of the cityscape at your own pace. The bonus challenge spices things up by tasking you to collect the letters spelling “freerunning,” scattered across hidden spots. This mode adds a layer of puzzle-solving to the platforming action and extends the game’s longevity despite the single-stage design.

While some players might crave more levels or changing environments, Freerunning Extreme’s level design is dense and cleverly structured. Rooftops, stairwells, and scaffolding create a multidimensional playground that demands spatial awareness and quick reflexes. Each segment flows into the next, turning the urban environment into a giant obstacle course. If you’re a fan of tight platforming challenges, this one-stage format delivers surprising depth.

Graphics

Visually, Freerunning Extreme opts for a minimalist aesthetic: the player character is represented by a pink box, and the entire cityscape is rendered in simple geometric shapes. At first glance, this might seem stark compared to more detailed parkour titles, but the clean design actually helps you focus on the core gameplay mechanics. You never lose track of your bounding box as you leap between surfaces, and the uncluttered backgrounds ensure that every obstacle is clearly visible.

The 3D environment makes good use of lighting and shadows to convey depth and height. Sunlit rooftops cast realistic beams across staircases, while deeper alleyways are marked by contrasting patches of shade. Subtle texture work on walls and floors adds a sense of realism without overwhelming your eyes with detail. This balance of simplicity and polish creates an environment that’s both functional and visually appealing.

Performance is rock-solid on standard gaming PCs and mid-range laptops, thanks to the low-poly style. Frame rates hover near a smooth 60fps, even when you’re performing a rapid succession of wall runs and jumps. Load times between modes are minimal, ensuring you stay immersed in the action. If you’re looking for a technically stable parkour experience without demanding hardware requirements, Freerunning Extreme delivers on that front.

Although the graphical scope is limited by the student-developed nature of the project, it’s clear that the artists at Utrecht School of Arts and Delft University focused on clarity and functionality. Every ledge, rail, and window sill is easy to spot at a glance, which is crucial when you’re hurtling toward a narrow landing. The aesthetic choice may not win awards for realism, but it underlines the game’s emphasis on pure, undistracted movement.

Story

Freerunning Extreme doesn’t follow a traditional narrative with characters or cutscenes. Instead, the story is told through your movement and the city around you. Each rooftop you conquer and each alleyway you sprint down paints a picture of a lone freerunner challenging the skyline. This minimalistic approach reinforces the feeling of solitude and self-expression that lies at the heart of parkour culture.

The lack of dialogue or scripted events might feel sparse to players seeking a more cinematic experience, but it also frees you to create your own journey. Your personal best routes become your story—whether you’re attempting a record-setting dash across the city or cleverly unearthing every hidden letter in the bonus challenge. In this sense, the narrative emerges organically from gameplay rather than being imposed upon it.

Environmental details hint at a broader urban backstory. Graffiti-laden walls, rusted scaffolding, and distant skyline silhouettes suggest a living, breathing city that’s seen better days. These visual cues anchor you in a space that feels weathered and authentic, adding subtle context to your freerunning exploits. You get the sense that this city is yours to explore and reshape with every jump and slide.

In lieu of a structured plot, the game succeeds in crafting an atmosphere of adventurous exploration. If you view the city as a canvas and your movements as brushstrokes, the narrative unfolds in real time—an invitation to push boundaries, test limits, and find beauty in motion. It’s a different kind of storytelling that aligns perfectly with the freedom inherent to freerunning itself.

Overall Experience

Freerunning Extreme delivers a tight, focused parkour experience that shines in its simplicity. There’s no filler content or convoluted mechanics—just you, the city, and the thrill of chaining together perfect moves. Whether you’re engaging in time-trial sprints or hunting for hidden letters, the core gameplay loop remains compelling from start to finish.

The single-level structure may be a sticking point for some, but three distinct modes add replayability and depth. Tutorial mode eases you into the fundamentals, free roaming lets you hone your skills at leisure, and the bonus challenge tests your mastery of the environment. Each mode feels thoughtfully designed to cater to different playstyles, ensuring that both casual players and completionists find something to enjoy.

As a student collaboration between Utrecht School of Arts and Delft University, Freerunning Extreme demonstrates impressive polish and creativity. The minimalist graphics, smooth performance, and precise controls all speak to a team that knows where to focus its efforts. While the scope is modest, the execution is confident, making it a standout indie parkour title.

If you’re in the market for a pure freerunning simulation that emphasizes flow, agility, and personal achievement, Freerunning Extreme is well worth your time. Its focused design and engaging mechanics make it a delightful pick-up-and-play experience, ideal for quick bursts of adrenaline-fueled fun or longer sessions aimed at perfecting your runs. For fans of parkour and platforming alike, this student-led project offers a fresh, streamlined take on urban acrobatics.

Retro Replay Score

null/10